RAM Prices Could Surge Further as Global Memory Shortage Threatens Supply Until 2027

The global memory market is facing growing pressure as demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to increase. While AI data centers are driving major investments across the technology industry, their appetite for memory chips is creating new challenges for everyday consumers, PC manufacturers, and hardware suppliers. Now, TeamGroup has warned that the situation could become even more difficult, with RAM shortages and higher prices potentially continuing until the middle of 2027.

According to TeamGroup CEO Chen Ching-wen, the most challenging period could arrive between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2027. His warning suggests that the problem may extend beyond expensive memory products, potentially reaching a stage where buyers struggle to find sufficient supplies even when they are prepared to pay premium prices.

The impact is already becoming visible in memory pricing. DDR5 16GB chips reportedly increased from approximately $8.70 in October 2025 to $48 in September 2026. That represents a rise of more than 450% in less than a year. DDR4 memory has also experienced significant price increases, putting additional pressure on customers who still rely on older platforms.

Supply constraints have also changed how companies purchase memory. Some buyers are reportedly paying premiums of 30% to 50% in the spot market to secure additional inventory. Even long-term supply agreements are becoming less reliable in guaranteeing the quantities manufacturers need.

TeamGroup has experienced these challenges firsthand, purchasing additional memory at higher spot-market prices to maintain supplies for its customers.

The growing influence of AI infrastructure is a major factor behind the changing memory market. Data centers require enormous quantities of DRAM to support AI training, inference, and large-scale computing operations. As technology companies continue expanding their infrastructure, memory manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing enterprise customers, where demand and purchasing volumes remain particularly strong.

TeamGroup’s financial figures reflect this shift. During the first nine months of 2026, business-to-business sales accounted for approximately 64% of its revenue, compared with 24% during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, the consumer segment’s contribution declined from roughly 75% to 35%. The company says this change reflects evolving market demand rather than an intentional decision to abandon individual customers.

Interestingly, the shortage has not prevented TeamGroup from reporting impressive financial growth. The company generated NT$10.139 billion, approximately $311.5 million, in revenue during the third quarter of 2026, representing a 33% increase over the previous quarter. Operating profit climbed 46.8% to NT$4.511 billion, while net profit increased nearly 50% to NT$3.618 billion.

However, the benefits of higher memory prices are not being shared equally across the technology industry. Memory manufacturers may enjoy stronger financial results, but consumers, PC builders, and hardware companies face increasingly expensive components and uncertain supply conditions. Higher production costs could eventually influence the prices of complete computers and other electronic devices as well.

For consumers planning a PC upgrade, the coming months could require more careful budgeting. Businesses may also need to rethink purchasing schedules and inventory strategies to avoid unexpected supply problems.

Although the outlook remains challenging, the situation also highlights the importance of expanding memory production and improving supply-chain capacity. If manufacturers can gradually increase output and market demand becomes more balanced, pricing pressure could eventually ease. Until then, the memory industry faces a difficult period, with AI innovation creating significant opportunities for manufacturers while reminding the wider technology market that even the most advanced digital infrastructure depends on the availability of essential hardware.